DeMarcus Ware was released by the Cowboys on Tuesday afternoon

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Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has issued a statement regarding Tuesday’s release of defensive end DeMarcus Ware after nine seasons in Dallas, saying the two sides came upon a mutual agreement to part ways after meeting at Valley Ranch just hours before free agency opened.

In the end, the team wanted Ware to take a pay-cut and the seven-time Pro Bowler refused.

However, in his version of events leading up to the move, Jones left the door open for a possible reunion between Ware and the team that drafted him in the first round back in 2005.

Jones' office released the following statement Tuesday:

“A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult."

“After meeting this afternoon, DeMarcus and I agreed on an understanding that would allow him to explore the options he will have for the 2014 season and beyond. We were also in very strong agreement that playing for the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the options we would both be exploring."

“DeMarcus Ware, through his performance on the field and his outstanding character, is someone who is held in the highest regard within the Dallas Cowboys family. He is worthy of our greatest respect, and we want what is best for him and his family.”

Cutting Ware saves the Cowboys $7.4 million against the salary cap.

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